Historical Fictionistas discussion

Hi, my name is Nick Nichols, and I am looking forward to reading and discussing in the group. I've been away from Goodreads for a while, and with a new year upon us, I thought I'd return. Thank you.

Hello! I've been a member of the group for a few months, but not active. For 2026, I would like to be more active in this group and perhaps do some challenges and/or group/buddy reads. Most of all I'd like to connect with other readers of historical fiction.

My favorite time period is WWII (any theater, most any topic). I read a lot of historic military fiction, most recently, The Cruel Sea. Espionage historical fiction (such as Winter in Madrid ) is another favorite, as is historical romance (The Soldier's Wife. Other time periods I'm quite interested in include WWI, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War, although I don't limit myself to these eras.

Looking forward to reading and discussing historical fiction with the group this year. Thanks for having this space!

BA wrote: "My favorite time period is WWII (any theater, most any topic). I read a lot of historic military fiction, most recently, The Cruel Sea. Espionage historical fiction (such as Winter in Madrid ) is another favorite, as is historical romance (The Soldier's Wife. Other time periods I'm quite interested in include WWI, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War, although I don't limit myself to these eras.."

My favourite recent WW2 book is My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor (brother of the singer Sinéad O'Connor). It's set in Vatican City and is about a heroic real-life priest who ran an escape circle for Jews and Allied prisoners.

On the Vietnam War, I really enjoyed Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai's novels, The Mountains Sing and Dust Child, which show the war from the Vietnamese perspective.

Fiona wrote: "My favourite recent WW2 book is My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor"

Thanks for the suggestions, Fiona!

Hi all, I’m Olivia Wilson. I just joined the group and I’m really happy to have found a space dedicated to historical fiction. I enjoy exploring different time periods and perspectives, and I’m looking forward to reading, learning, and discussing books with everyone here.

Glad to be part of the group!

Good (cold) Morning all!
I'm Rose, from central VA. My favorite genre is historical fiction but it's hard to find good books in this genre. I don't read romance novels, and that seems to be the biggest portion of historical reads. I love WWI and WWII era novels (not necessarily told from a military viewpoint). Canary Girls was an excellent book. I have already read the book this group is currently reading. Looking forward to chatting and hearing what everyone is reading!

Steve Goldsmith (SteveG) here, an expat writing from Costa Rica. I love all historical fiction, having devoured every book by Thomas B. Costain when I was a teen. Influences include Umberto Eco, Bernard Cornwell, Ken Follett, and Hilary Mantel.

My second published book was HF, set during the Council of Nicaea.

Life is good! Looking forward to chatting and engaging.

I am new to this group. My favorite genre is Historical Fiction followed by Mystery or Thriller.
I am the Admin Assistant/Aide in a Middle School library so I do read a lot of YA books. My goal for 2026 is to read a bit more for myself.
I look forward to recommendations from fellow readers.

Hi everyone - this is Mike Lewis, author of a new historical fiction novel The Icarus Ascent: Ghosts of the Matterhorn which tells the story of the mountain's tragic first ascent in 1865...as seen through the eyes of Edward Whymper's doomed party themselves.

As you can imagine, each of the seven men - speaking from beyond the grave - have widely differing perspectives on what went wrong.

What I found most interesting is that the testimony of Whymper - a learned man of letters - is regarded as gospel, even though he himself candidly admitted he could never be quite sure what caused the fatal slip.

Yet the accounts of his fellow survivors - Old Peter Taugwalder and Young Peter Taugwalder - have been largely ignored.

But then, these were humble and illiterate Swiss peasant farmers who doubled up as mountain guides...

cheers
Mike Lewis

https://nextchapter.pub/books/the-ica...

Hi, my name is Tonya. I've been on goodreads for a while, but haven't posted a lot of reviews. My goal for this year is to do more.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, mainly 20th century...stories take hold in the heart a lot longer than just news reports about events, and that really is the power behind historical fiction novels ...

Hi Historical Fictionistas,
I’m Mark, from Ohio. I hope to connect, share, and learn from this group. My interest skews to 18th/19th/20th centuries. Thank you.

One Tragic June: Based on actual letters and stories

Hi,
I'm Jean Pugh Shipman and new to this group. I got interested in historical fiction while thinking about how to reflect two family stories based on actual letters into a novel. "One Tragic June" is about a Plain religion girl who falls in love with a man not of her faith, thus their love is forbidden. He heads off to serve as a soldier in WWII. Their tragic fates unite their families. The book is getting rave reviews of which I am thankful.

Hi, Jean! Your novel sounds heartwrenching, exactly the kind of story I like. Do you need an ARC review of it? Let me know.

Thanks for your interest. I could use a review, but the book is already published so it would not be an ARC review.

Hi everyone! I just joined the group, and I'm happy to have found a space dedicated to historical fiction. I'm especially drawn to WWI, and All Quiet on the Western Front is one of my favourites, along with its companion novel The Way Back. I'm also very interested in WWII, and would love to explore other periods too, like the Vietnam War or the Cold War. I'm looking forward to discussing books and hearing others' perspectives!

Patricia, Welcome! You mentioned Viet Nam. I highly recommend Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. Rated 5 stars and on my favorite shelf. Not an easy read. It was recommended to me by my 1st husband who was drafted in 1969 and spent 13 months in Viet Nam. He says that in his opinion it's the most accurate fictional account of that war.

Hi everyone! I’m new to Goodreads and excited to connect with fellow readers. I tend to read across a wide range of topics and genres — I enjoy exploring different time periods, settings, and character-driven stories.

The last historical book I read was Shadows Beneath the Arena by L.M. Hawkes. I was especially drawn to its layered atmosphere and the way it builds tension while developing its characters. It’s an adventure story set in Ancient Rome where you play a gladiator and shape your own fate in the arena through the choices you make. I really enjoyed the immersive experience and the way it brings the world of Rome to life.

I just picked up Eleanor of Avignon, which I’m looking forward to diving into. Historical settings always intrigue me, especially when they center on compelling women navigating complex worlds.

I’m always open to recommendation on what to read next. Looking forward to discovering new reads and sharing thoughts with everyone!

Hi,
My name is Laila, I am French Moroccan writer, and I love historical fiction novels, espescially when they happen in a setting I am unfamiliar with.
I do like reading other genres too as I feel that it helps me grow as a reader and as a writer.
I read a lot, but I still have so many books to catch up on! Looking forward to interesting discussions :)

Welcome everyone!

Hi! My name is June Russell Laing and I'm an author from Edinburgh, Scotland. I've been on Goodreads for some time and haven't posted as much as I intended! I love learning history through fiction and am so impressed at the reliability of the research authors undertake for their stories - a much better way to learn about history than dry textbooks! My own writing tends to centre around Glasgow, especially the dramatic social changes post-war. Would love recommendations of books that soak up the atmosphere of this period. Thank you and great to meet you all!

I am an author and retired educator from Michigan. I am new to Goodreads. My first novel is scheduled for publication in June by Histria Books. It is about my ancestors' participation in the Tuscarora Wars of 1710- 1715. I loved doing the research, visiting the places, and meeting knowledgeable people. I even participated in an archaeological dig on the North Carolina Outer Banks. When done well, HF can bring history to life by introducing fascinating and impactful characters, while immersing readers in time periods and cultures they know little about.

Hello, I'm Brenda. I'm back on Goodreads from way back in 2013. Wow, it has been a while! Historical Fiction is definitely my favorite genre and I'm excited to follow along with this group. In school, I was a math/science nerd and history was my least favorite subject. As an adult, I find history fascinating. I'm considering taking classes for fun in subjects such as history and poetry. Happy reading!

Welcome, Brenda! Fellow Math/Science geek, until I retired and wrote historical fiction. Looking forward to your engagement.

Welcome, I retired and started writing historical fiction, too.

My name is George Werbacher.

I work as a Network Subject Matter Expert for the government, spent years teaching oil painting for free on YouTube, built this website myself, and somewhere along the way wrote a novel. Then wrote another one.

I studied the craft of writing daily research into first-century Jerusalem, Roman military life, the Temple, the politics, the people. Every answer opened three more questions.
The story started with a gap.

The crucifixion happened. Miracles followed.

History goes quiet about the people close enough to witness it all and about what it cost them, what they did next, and who came after them to make sure none of it survived. These books live in that silence. At the heart of it is free will.

What does it cost to protect it?
What happens when those in power decide it's a threat worth eliminating?

The first book is the foundation. The second release, on May 1st, carries the story through the fall of Jerusalem.

They are fiction surrounded by truth. And when you think about it, what isn't?

I'm new to Goodreads and glad I found my way here. Looking forward to learning from readers and writers who know this world far better than I do.

— George Werbacher
guardiansofthespear.com

Hi George — welcome.
There’s something strong and grounded in the way you describe this project. The line “The story started with a gap” especially stayed with me — it feels like the right place for fiction to begin: where history goes silent, but human cost remains.
I also like that your focus isn’t only on events, but on free will and what power fears most. That gives the story real weight. Wishing you a good journey with both books here on Goodreads.

Hi everyone! My name is Attila Sagi. I'm a historian with a deep passion for historical fiction—it has always been my favorite genre. I love how great historical novels can bring the past to life and make distant worlds feel real.
I'm excited to be here, share my experiences, and discover new books from talented authors. I also enjoy discussing history, storytelling, and the way fiction can illuminate the past. Looking forward to great conversations and recommendations!

Hello,

My name is Steven and i am a writer.
I’m coming from the Netherlands and love to read.

Regards

Welcome Kaavya:)

Welcome everyone!

Hi everyone – I’m Patrick, writing historical fiction set in early Celtic Britain.
I’m currently working on the Calgach Scéla cycle and looking forward to joining the discussions here.

Hello, I'm Judy Taylor. I love Historical Fiction and am looking forward to all the comments and questions in this group. I write historicals (but am not yet published) set in the 1930s and the late 19th century, so I'm always on the lookout for comparable titles. I find there are more in the 19th c category than the 1930's these days, so I try to choose comps that also relate to other thematics, like medicine, the labor movement, actors and theater stories, politics of the time, and non-fiction research books in these categories. I'm so happy I found this group!

Hello,
What a fabulous group. I love reading and writing historical fiction and look forward to your recommendations.

Some of my favourite recent reads. Babi Yar, by A. Kuznetsov (set in Ukraine during WWII)- BRILLIANT. And Between Dog and Wolf By Kristina Gorcheva-Newberry (Set in late Soviet Russia). And I just finished The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman which offered an interesting glimpse into Jewish Resistance during WWII.

My first novel is set in late Soviet and post Soviet Russia. And my second is coming out later this year, set in my local area (SW London) during late Georgian era.

Looking forward to talking books and adding to my TBR shelf.

Hey there! My name is Nikos, originally from Thessaloniki, Greece and living in Frankfurt, Germany. Quite in love with historical books and I'm actually doing a Bachelor's degree on European History on a hobby/part-time basis. Happy to connect and follow some group-reads!

Hi, my name is Thea. I am 31, originally from London but living in Edinburgh, Scotland. I love all this historical fiction from Outlander, Into the Wilderness and The Winter King to The Nightingale, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Four Winds and The Women. I am so keen to get some great recommendations from you all as I am wanting to really dive into the genre!

Nick wrote: "Hey there! My name is Nikos, originally from Thessaloniki, Greece and living in Frankfurt, Germany. Quite in love with historical books and I'm actually doing a Bachelor's degree on European Histor..."

Hi Nick! I'm visiting Thessaloniki next month and really looking forward to it. Do you have any recommendations for historical fiction books set in Greece? I have already read Circe and Corelli's Mandollin.

Thea wrote: "Hi, my name is Thea. I am 31, originally from London but living in Edinburgh, Scotland. I love all this historical fiction from Outlander, Into the Wilderness and The Winter King to The Nightingale..."

Hi Thea. If you enjoyed A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Women, you might like The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai. It's about the events leading up to the Vietnam war from the viewpoint of a North Vietnamese family.

I'm Tod W. Tod Newman and I read and write historical fiction.
* I have a series set in the time of Assyria and Babylon which fills in the gaps around Old Testament prophets.
* I also have a series set in AD300 Roman Empire.
* Currently working on a historical fiction series about the 1880 Pleasant Valley War in Arizona (publishing this first on Wattpad).
Happy to chat or discuss book publishing or writing historical fiction!

Hello, I'm L C Williams and I'm excited to have come across this group.

I'm looking forward to sharing views and recommendations with those who enjoy historical fiction as much as I do.

I love the way historical fiction allows me to experience life at a different point in time.

I'm also a writer of historical fiction myself and I find the research required to write these books a really fascinating part of the creative process.

I'm looking forward to hearing more from those in the group.

L.C. wrote: "Hello, I'm L C Williams and I'm excited to have come across this group.

I'm looking forward to sharing views and recommendations with those who enjoy historical fiction as much as I do.

I love ..."
Nice to meet you LC! I love the research part too! What eras do you like to write about?
-Tod.

Hello all, I'm honored to be a part of this admirable group. I honestly did not expect to find so much Historical fiction lovers! Perhaps because my circle of readers are into other types :)
Anyways, I'd love to share the passion towards those books and certainly WWII!

L.C. wrote: "Hello, I'm L C Williams and I'm excited to have come across this group.

I'm looking forward to sharing views and recommendations with those who enjoy historical fiction as much as I do.

I love ..."

Hello L.C.! Totally agree with you! the research is one crazy journey that is not less enjoyable than the imagination you put in the literary outcome! Once I was done with my book I felt more proud with the amount of research and information I went through!

Hossam wrote: "Historical Fiction fans! I would be honored to have your opinions on my books! It's my first time to be on Goodreads and it's kind of nervous! :D But I'd really love to know your feedbacks!
1- Wher..."

I've seen this post and the one you had created in our group discussion folder. Please review our group rules on advertising and welcome to the group.

Thank you for the reply Jasmine, I apologize if I had violated any of the rules.

Hi everyone! I’m new to Goodreads and happy to join this group. I’m an English teacher from Italy, and I love reading and discovering historical fiction, especially stories set during World War I and World War II. I’m particularly interested in books that explore human nature, moral dilemmas, and the impact of history on people’s lives. I also enjoy fantasy, dystopian fiction, romance, and writing in my free time. I look forward to discovering new books and exchanging ideas with you all!

Hi everyone! I'm Eva from Belgium. After studying literature, I took a long break from reading, but I'm back now! Historical fiction is one of my special interests. I particularly enjoy fiction set in medieval England, Scotland or Ireland. I also read fantasy, sci-fi and more general literary fiction. I'm excited to become a part of this community and join the reading challenges with you all!

Hey I am Pieter, originally from Belgium now living in the UK and historical fiction is one of my favourite genres to get stuck into. Favourite periods are Roman times, both world wars and recently I have been trying to dive into less western focused books to expand my knowledge but it is really hard to find good stories! Here to find more recommendations like it!

Ari wrote: "I love reading and discovering historical fiction, especially stories set during World War I and World War II. I’m particularly interested in books that explore human nature, moral dilemmas, and the impact of history on people’s lives. I also enjoy fantasy, dystopian fiction, romance, and writing in my free time."

Hi Ari. I recommend The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden and My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor.

Eva wrote: "I particularly enjoy fiction set in medieval England, Scotland or Ireland. I also read fantasy, sci-fi and more general literary fiction."

Hi Eva. You might enjoy Haven by Emma Donoghue and Hild by Nicola Griffith.

Pieter wrote: "Favourite periods are Roman times, both world wars and recently I have been trying to dive into less western focused books to expand my knowledge but it is really hard to find good stories!"

Hi Pieter. I think you'd really like Daughter of Sand and Stone by Libbie Hawker and Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.

Fiona wrote: "Ari wrote: "I love reading and discovering historical fiction, especially stories set during World War I and World War II. I’m particularly interested in books that explore human nature, moral dile..."
Thanks Fiona, Will add it to my list!

Hi all,
I've just joined this group, and I would love more friends on Goodreads who read and review historical fiction books, so feel free to add me as a friend. I'd like to see your reviews and get ideas for books that I might like to read too.

I like authors like Kate Quinn, Lisa See, Khaled Housseini, and I prefer plot-based books rather than character focused/literary fiction. Not really into the books that have a big focus on romance, but it's okay if it's a small part of the book.